ACNE be gone!

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions and is known to give people sleepless nights granted many of those who suffer from it also end up grappling with low self-esteem and even depression. Luckily, acne is something that can be managed. In this article you will find useful advice to help you clear your skin and avoid future breakouts. 

Many people can relate with suffering from a skin condition at one point or another in their lives and especially during their teenage years. One of the most common and dreaded skin conditions is acne. Although it is not a serious problem and can be treated successfully, if not taken care of, acne can lead to low self-esteem. It is possible to manage acne with the use of functional cosmetics such as Acnes available in pharmaceutical stores.

Acne is a skin inflammation that causes sebum (an oily substance) to be secreted. As a result, the skin breaks out. If it is acne, it will most likely have a white head and is painful to touch but if it’s a pimple, it is not painful unless it is too severe. Pimples and other skin breakouts are also classified as forms of acne.

Acne is largely classified into two categories based on its size and severity – inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Inflammatory acne is usually very painful, swollen and red. It can last for weeks to months and leave temporary dark marks and rarely, permanent scars. It is thus advisable to treat it early. Non-inflammatory acne on the other hand is not red or painful. The pores are blocked with oil causing them to be closed and referred to as a whitehead; or remain open and referred to as a blackhead.

No one knows the exact cause of acne though a number of factors can contribute to, or worsen it. Acne can be triggered by environmental factors such as using oil-based cosmetics and exposure to humidity or dirt. It can also be triggered by emotional related factors such as stress and anxiety, premenstrual or hormonal changes. Also, physical factors such as irritation from occlusive clothing, headbands, hats and helmets can cause acne.

You can manage acne by taking the following steps:

Maintain hygiene. Wash and cleanse your face at least twice a day because sweating can make acne worse, especially during the hot season or after exercising. Clean the skin gently using lukewarm water and mild skin products that do not irritate your skin. Anything that touches your face including pillowcases and pillows, towels, makeup accessories and even your hands should be clean.

Do not pop or squeeze acne. Wait and heal naturally. Squeezing or popping acne will cause your skin to take longer to clear and risk getting acne scars. Strive to keep your hands off your face to avoid flare-ups. Since some acne medications may increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, wear sunscreen.

Watch your lifestyle.Your diet should contain plenty of leafy greens, fresh fruit and foods rich in Omega-3 such as fish and whole grains. Avoid junk food such as fizzy drinks and sugar as they damage the skin. Also keep in mind that drinking at least eight glasses of water a day helps to keep your skin clear of spots. Ensure you have proper sleep and keep off any stress or worry as these have been linked to acne.

Consider using functional Cosmetics.Some cleansers, creams and gels work wonders on acne. These are availability in beauty shops, chemists and supermarkets. If the acne doesn’t clear or if it recurs, consult a dermatologist.